Hello... l live in Colorado and intend to get chickens.... I. Have a couple of breeds I like.. where is the best place to get them.... Efowl Murdoch's or local chicken Hatcher...I am very conservative with money... going to build cheapest coop possible..possibly chicken tractor..
Efowl seems to have really good prices.. Yet I do not know if I can get different breeds at one time.. only what a max of six to eight...
Anyone have any advice?
Welcome!
It somewhat depends on what you are after both in terms of breeds and purpose. I have never bought from efowl or Murdochs, but I know others here have bought from Murdochs. A local hatcher is an option if someone local is hatching what you want, and it's always nice to support local breeders. Hatchery chicks are generally good layers, locally bred and hatched chicks may be less productive in the first year, but may also lay longer and be better suited to the climate. If you are hoping to find show quality chicks it really depends on the breeds you are interested in.
As a rule chicks aren't that expensive to buy (although today I heard about some $18 chicks), feed can add up with the rising cost of grain, and cheap coops are great as long as they meet the basic requirements - space, secure from predators, ventilation, no drafts. Having tried a variety over the years, my preference is for a walk-in but my layers are in a 4x8 coop that is elevated 2 feet and it has worked out fine. There are many great ideas here on BYC for building inexpensive coops, from pallet coops to hoop coops. It can be time consuming to wade through all the ideas, but along the way you pick up tips and ideas that may come in handy down the road.
If you live in an area where males are not allowed, or you just don't want them, don't buy straight run, and that might be the deciding factor - it is hard to buy pullets only from a local hatcher, although Wendell (wsmith) may have some Dominique chicks soon, and they can be sexed at hatch.
Good luck, have fun, ask questions, and share pictures if possible!
